You don’t think of France as an international basketball powerhouse — because they are not — but they were going to roll out an impressive and long NBA front line in Turkey next month: Joakim Noah (Chicago), Boris Diaw (Charlotte) and Ian Mahinmi (Dallas).

“I was pessimistic and now I can tell you it’s a done deal,” he said. “We must turn the page. That is what I have done.”

Noah has had talks with the Bulls about a possible contract extension (he is heading into the last guaranteed year of his rookie deal). He was hesitant to risk injury playing in the World Championships while trying to negotiate a new deal.

France also will be without Tony Parker, but that might be fine with Rodrigue Beaubois on the team. And there is a chance Collet may actually play Beaubois in key minutes (you listening, Rick Carlisle).

France is in a tough group, with powerhouse Spain, Lithuania, New Zealand, Canada and Lebanon. That’s one they should advance from, however, but the loss of Noah does not make that easier.